February 21, 2025/Midnight
Erie, PA – Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling, has maintained its position as a memorable story through various adaptations, from its off-Broadway debut in 1987 to the iconic movie in 1989. Since its premiere, the play has profoundly highlighted how love and empathy can unite neighbors and friends. Gannon’s Schuster Theatre has beautifully conveyed this message with six stellar performers and an impressive set design.
Based on the true story of Harling’s sister, Steel Magnolias follows the lives of six Southern women, all neighbors of a beauty parlor in a small Louisiana town. The women include Truvy Jones, the salon’s warm-hearted owner, and Annelle, her anxious young assistant. The salon’s regulars are Clairee Belcher, a wealthy widow; Ouiser Boudreaux, a sharp-tongued, grudge-holding woman in her sixties; and M’Lynn, along with her daughter Shelby.
The main storyline centers on Shelby as she prepares for her wedding and her journey to motherhood, despite the risks posed by her health problems. Shelby’s choices spark heartfelt discussions about love, marriage, and personal struggles, all seasoned with humor, wisdom, and a touch of eccentricity.
While the story and characters are compelling, the cast, under the direction of Angela Howell, truly brings the play to life. Chloe Kassalen’s portrayal of Shelby radiates energy, especially as she eagerly discusses her wedding and dreams of becoming a mother. Her wardrobe, a parade of pink hues reflecting Shelby’s favorite color, adds an extra layer of personality to her character.
Jamie Foster delivers a heartfelt performance as M’Lynn, skillfully portraying the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship. Despite their occasional conflicts, M’Lynn’s deep love for Shelby is undeniable. One of the most moving moments occurs when M’Lynn reveals her willingness to donate a kidney to Shelby, a gesture that makes her reaction after Shelby’s death even more heartbreaking.
Kerrylee Hinkson brings warmth and charm to Truvy, a member who anchors the group’s dynamic with empathy and humor. She also delivers some of the play’s most memorable lines. Judy Stow and Char Newport shine as Clairee and Ouiser, adding boldness and wit to their roles. Though they often clash, especially with each other, their bond strengthens in some hard moments.
The set design is meticulous, transforming the stage into an authentic beauty salon, complete with hairdressing chairs, counters, and mirrors. Truvy’s salon serves as a second home, a sanctuary where these women not only transform their appearances but also share gossip, confide in one another, and seek comfort. The organized clutter adds a sense of homeyness, making the salon feel cozy and lived in. The seating arrangement cleverly allows audiences to experience the play from multiple angles, breaking the barrier between the performers and the crowd.
Despite being written by a man, the play offers a sincere and nuanced depiction of women’s lives, both their struggles and their resilience. As the title suggests, these women, like magnolias, may seem delicate, but their strength is unyielding, like steel.
This weekend, rewind the clock and take a trip south to Truvy’s salon, where the audiences can see the magnolias delightfully blooming. Steel Magnolias continues its run at Gannon’s Schuster Theatre until Feb. 22. Gannon students can use the coupon code SWEET for $5 off their ticket purchase (one code per transaction).
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